SIPTU has suspended all industrial action at Trinity College, Dublin following a favourable Labour Court ruling that most staff should continue to enjoy the benefits of separate State and college pensions.
The court decided against the college's decision to "co ordinate" the two pensions, a move the unions said would cost low paid staff an average of £36 a week in pension entitlements. Neither pension will be capped, so it will be possible for some employees to have higher pensions than their retiring salaries.
However, in the case of employees who started pensionable employment after April 1995 - only 15 out of 230 - the court decided the college was entitled to "co ordinate" the two pensions.
Industrial action on a separate dispute over pension rights for part time employees is also likely to be suspended. This follows a recommendation by the Labour Relations Commission that the issue be dealt with by an independent mediator.
TCD was closed for two days earlier this week by industrial action taken by the 500 cleaning, administrative, security and library staff affected by the two disputes. The strike partially disrupted the traditional events of Trinity Week, including the Trinity Ball, which was due to take place last night, but was cancelled earlier this month.
With the union's decision to end its work to rule and overtime ban, no disruption is now expected to the summer exams for 8,000 students, which begin on Monday.
